Cheers! What’s new at Mai Tai Lounge

January 28, 2010

It's situated right in the middle of the tourist action on Front Street in Lahaina. But Mai Tai Lounge has always been a little hard to find, as it's hidden behind some shops.

Now, the new team of owner William Graff and Managing Partner Michel Roy are changing all that with bold signage and more. Just head toward the oceanside spot - tucked away between Kimo's and Lahaina Yacht Club - and look for signs heralding its award-winning mai tais.

"We're over the ocean and under the stars," says Graff, from Montova, Italy. "We have a downstairs lounge and the only rooftop restaurant on Maui. Price wise, it's not expensive, but you won't find a burger here."

"The baby back ribs recipe is an award winner from Dallas," says Graff. "And our flaming hibachi pupu platter is a number-one seller because you also get crab-and-cream-cheese won tons, coconut shrimp and pork-and-vegetable spring rolls with three types of dipping sauces."

As for entrees, beer-battered fish and chips come with fries and tropical slaw; and mac-nut-crusted mahi is fresh, served with Tahitian vanilla sauce, mashed potatoes and wok-fried veggies.

Saturday, Mai Tai Lounge debuted its first weekly DJ night. Food is served late until 10 p.m. and dancing goes until 1 a.m.

Roy, who worked at The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua as a manager for many years, brings with him a classy yet super fun attitude.

Their Lahaina mai tais have won awards in other local publications, and are packed with three types of rum along with orange curacao and passion fruit juice then shaken. Specialty cocktails range from the Green Flash to the Guavatini.

"We have repeat customers, and we are oriented to young adults," says Restaurant Manager Fernando Canitrot. "We are trying to be the new hot spot, the upcoming place in town."